When is it time to talk to a vaccine lawyer? If you find yourself asking this question, you are not alone. Many people are diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses each year. These injuries and illnesses often have significant financial and non-financial costs—and these costs make it essential for vaccine recipients and their families to take legal action when possible.
Fortunately, individuals and families who are coping with the effects of vaccine-related injuries and illnesses can take legal action in many cases. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) serves as a source of financial compensation for those who have been harmed by vaccines. The VICP covers most vaccines recommended for routine administration in the United States, and VICP claimants can hire a vaccine lawyer to assist them at no cost.
You Should Talk to a Vaccine Lawyer If . . .
So, we return to our original question: When is it time to talk to a vaccine lawyer? We recommend scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation if:
You or a Loved One Received a Vaccine Listed on the Vaccine Injury Table
As we mentioned above, the VICP covers most vaccines recommended for routine administration in the United States—with COVID-19 vaccines being among the most notable exceptions. The vaccines covered under the VICP are listed on the Vaccine Injury Table, which is an official document maintained by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). As of 2025, the vaccines listed on the table include:
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccines
- Measles, mumps and rubella vaccines
- Polio vaccines
- Hepatitis A and B vaccines
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines
- Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines
- Rotavirus vaccines
- Pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines
- Influenza vaccines
The Vaccine Injury Table is available on the HRSA’s website. While there have been some efforts to get COVID-19 vaccines added to the table, to date these efforts have not been successful.
You or a Loved One Has Been Diagnosed with a Vaccine-Related Injury or Illness
Filing a VICP claim requires proof of a vaccine-related injury or illness. This means that claimants must have a diagnosis from a healthcare provider, and their diagnosis must be related specifically to one of the vaccines listed on the Vaccine Injury Table.
The Vaccine Injury Table lists many of the most-common vaccine-related injuries and illnesses, and these are referred to as “on table” conditions. When filing a claim for an “on table” condition, it is enough to show that symptoms onset within the timeframe specified for the relevant condition—specific proof of causation is not required. Other conditions (referred to as “off table” conditions) are covered as well, though proof of causation is required in these cases. In both scenarios, working closely with an experienced vaccine lawyer is essential for ensuring that you clearly establish your eligibility for financial compensation.
It Has Been Less Than Three Years Since Symptoms First Appeared
All VICP claims are subject to time restrictions. For non-fatal injuries and illnesses, the deadline to file (or “statute of limitations”) is typically three years from the date that symptoms first appear. In cases involving fatal vaccine-related injuries and illnesses, families generally have two years from the date of death.
The Injury or Illness Has Led to Financial and Non-Financial Costs
While hiring a vaccine lawyer to file a VICP claim costs you nothing out of pocket, pursuing your claim will require time and effort. As a result, before you move forward, it will be important to make sure that doing so is worthwhile.
With that said, filing a VICP claim will be well worth it for most vaccine recipients and families. This is because vaccine-related injuries and illnesses can lead to significant financial and non-financial costs. Vaccine recipients and families who have VICP claims can seek financial compensation for their past, present and future:
- Medical expenses resulting from the vaccine-related injury or illness
- Other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the vaccine-related injury or illness
- Loss of earnings
- Pain, suffering and other non-financial losses
While the VICP caps financial compensation for non-financial losses at $250,000, eligible claimants can seek full compensation for all of the financial costs they have incurred (and will continue to incur in the future). These costs can add up very quickly, and this can make it critical for many vaccine recipients and families to assert their legal rights effectively.
You Are Committed to Seeking the Financial Compensation You and Your Family Deserve
Since filing a VICP claim requires time and effort, it is important to make sure you are committed to moving forward before you file. You don’t have to make up your mind before your free consultation; but, after your free consultation, you will need to think carefully about whether you are prepared to give your claim the time and attention it deserves.
To be clear, you can—and should—rely on your vaccine lawyer to handle the majority of the process for you. From filing your petition with the Vaccine Court to negotiating with the government’s attorneys, most aspects of the process require experienced legal representation. But, your vaccine lawyer won’t be able to handle your claim without you. From understanding the financial and non-financial effects of your (or your loved one’s) diagnosis to deciding whether to accept a settlement, you will need to be actively involved at various stages along the way.
We know all of this can be overwhelming, and we know that you have lots of questions you want to ask. Fortunately, the first step in the process is easy—and it’s completely risk-free. If you have questions about hiring a vaccine lawyer, we encourage you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Schedule a Free, No-Obligation Consultation with National Vaccine Lawyer Leah V. Durant
Leah V. Durant is an experienced vaccine lawyer who has helped numerous individuals and families file successful VICP claims. To speak with Ms. Durant about your situation in confidence, give us a call at 202-775-9200 or request a free, no-obligation consultation online today.